The Dancenter by Lori: Nurturing Dancers and Character in Oklahoma City

The Dancenter by Lori Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For parents in Oklahoma City seeking a dance studio that offers more than just steps and routines, The Dancenter by Lori stands as a beacon of artistic and personal development. Located at 3940 E Interstate 240 Service Rd, this esteemed institution is much more than a place to learn to dance; it's a family-oriented environment where children and young adults flourish, not only as dancers but as confident, disciplined, and compassionate individuals. Led by the highly revered Lori Elder, often described by parents as "the best of the best" not just as a teacher but as a human being, The Dancenter cultivates a unique atmosphere of genuine care and unwavering support.

The Dancenter by Lori prides itself on providing a comprehensive dance education that spans various styles, including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical. While technical prowess is certainly a focus, the studio's true highlight lies in its profound impact on a child's character. As a heartfelt testimonial from a long-time parent beautifully articulates, children gain invaluable life lessons here: confidence, teamwork, resilience in the face of challenges, the value of hard work, and the ability to follow directions from admired mentors. The warm, supportive presence of key figures like Miss Phyllis in the office, who treats every child as her own grandchild, further solidifies the studio's reputation as a loving extension of home. For over seven years for some families, The Dancenter by Lori has proven to be a blessing, shaping young lives and creating cherished memories that extend far beyond the dance floor, profoundly impacting not just the students, but their entire families.

Location and Accessibility

The Dancenter by Lori is conveniently situated at 3940 E Interstate 240 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73135, USA. This location offers excellent accessibility for families across the greater Oklahoma City area, particularly those in the southern and eastern parts of the city. Being directly on the I-240 Service Road means it is easily reachable from a major interstate, simplifying commutes and reducing travel time for busy parents and students.

The proximity to Interstate 240 makes the studio highly convenient for residents coming from various neighborhoods within Oklahoma City, as well as nearby communities like Moore and Norman. The service road provides direct access, avoiding complex turns or getting lost in residential areas. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free arrival and departure experience for those attending classes or events. This strategic and accessible location underscores The Dancenter by Lori's commitment to serving a wide range of local families, making it a practical and desirable choice for dance education in Oklahoma City.

Services Offered

Comprehensive Dance Instruction: Offering classes in a variety of styles including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical/Contemporary.
Acrobatics Classes: Providing instruction in acro dance, which combines dance technique with acrobatic elements.
Musical Theatre Classes: Integrating dance with elements of acting and singing for a well-rounded performing arts experience.
Parent & Me Classes: Designed for toddlers (e.g., 18-23 months) and their companions, focusing on movement, music, and basic motor skills through fun activities.
Preschool Age Classes: Specifically tailored for young children (e.g., 2-4 years old), such as "Tiny Tots Intro to Ballet" and "Tumble & Bop" (combining hip hop with acro).
Multi-Style Combo Classes: Providing a mix of styles for younger dancers, like Ballet/Tap Combo for preschoolers.
Recreational Classes: Structured for fun, engagement, and building foundational skills for dancers of all levels.
Competitive Dance Teams: Opportunities for more serious and dedicated students to join competitive teams, participating in solos and group performances.
Progression through Levels: Classes are designed for various ages and skill levels, from Mini/Jr. (Grades K-3) to Tween/Teen (Grades 4+) and advanced levels, ensuring appropriate challenges.
Summer Classes, Technique Weeks, and Camps: Offering continuous dance opportunities during school breaks to keep students engaged and developing.
Private Lessons: Inquire about personalized instruction for focused skill development.
Studio App: Provides convenient access for managing accounts, registering for classes and events, and receiving important notifications.
Merchandise: Offering Dancenter-branded apparel and accessories.

Features / Highlights

Exceptional Leadership and Instruction: Lori Elder, the proprietor, is consistently lauded as an "unbelievable human being" and "the best dance teacher in this region," known for her dedication, genuine care for students and families, and ability to build strong, lasting relationships.
Nurturing and Supportive Environment: The Dancenter is praised for its loving, professional, and family-like atmosphere, where staff like Miss Phyllis in the office are deeply caring and go "above and beyond" for every child and family, creating a sense of belonging.
Focus on Character Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio is highly effective in teaching invaluable life lessons such as confidence, teamwork, resilience, discipline, perseverance, the value of hard work, and the importance of following directions.
Comprehensive Dance Education: Offers a wide array of dance styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Acro, and Musical Theatre, ensuring a well-rounded artistic development for all students.
Competitive Team Opportunities: Provides an avenue for dedicated students to participate in competitive dance, including solos, fostering advanced skill development and performance experience.
Age-Appropriate Programs: Tailored classes for various age groups, from toddlers (Move With Me, Tiny Tots) and preschoolers (Tumble & Bop, Ballet/Tap Combo) to school-aged children, teens, and even adults (Adult Tap), ensuring suitable instruction for every stage.
Professionalism and Clear Communication: Parents appreciate that all responsibilities and studio policies are clearly conveyed, demonstrating a high level of organization and professionalism.
Fun and Engaging Atmosphere: The studio ensures that dance remains enjoyable and exciting for students, even making it a "fun loving place for siblings" who visit.
Building Lifelong Love for Dance: Numerous testimonials speak to students retaining their love for dance years after leaving the studio, indicating the profound and lasting positive impact of their experience.
Strong Community and Family Bonds: The relationships formed between teachers, staff, students, and families are a significant highlight, described as being like a "second family" and a source of immense love and support.

Contact Information

Address: 3940 E Interstate 240 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73135, USA

Phone: (405) 595-7037

Mobile Phone: +1 405-595-7037

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For families in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas, The Dancenter by Lori, located conveniently at 3940 E Interstate 240 Service Rd, represents an exceptional and profoundly suitable choice for dance education. Its accessibility via a major interstate makes it a practical option for busy local parents, but the true suitability of this studio for the Oklahoma community extends far beyond its physical location, touching upon the very heart of what parents seek for their children.

The overwhelmingly positive and deeply personal testimonials from local parents paint a clear picture: The Dancenter by Lori is more than a dance school; it's a supportive, loving, and transformative environment. For parents who are "nervous about starting your child in dance," this studio offers the reassurance that their child will not only learn dance techniques but will also gain invaluable life skills. The emphasis on fostering confidence, teaching teamwork, promoting hard work, and developing resilience resonates strongly with local values, ensuring that children grow into well-rounded individuals ready for life's challenges, whether on or off the stage.

The personal dedication of Lori Elder, described as an "unbelievable human being" and an extraordinary teacher, and the genuine care extended by staff like Miss Phyllis, create a "second family" for students. This level of authentic support and individualized attention is incredibly precious to Oklahoma families, who value strong community bonds and nurturing environments for their children. The Dancenter by Lori proves that high-quality dance instruction can go hand-in-hand with profound character development, offering a rare combination that truly sets it apart.

Furthermore, the comprehensive range of dance styles, from foundational Ballet and Tap to energetic Jazz, expressive Lyrical, and challenging Acro, ensures that every child can find their niche and develop their passions. The opportunity to join competitive teams also caters to those seeking more intensive training and performance experience, all within the familiar and supportive local setting. For any Oklahoma City parent searching for a dance studio that will not only teach their child how to dance but also pour love, support, and invaluable life lessons into them, The Dancenter by Lori is not just suitable—it's truly a blessing that should not be overlooked. As one grateful parent implores, "do NOT deprive yourself of this blessing and call them today."

The Dancenter by Lori Photos

The Dancenter by Lori Location

The Dancenter by Lori

Oklahoma Oklahoma County Oklahoma City Southeast Oklahoma City East Interstate 240 Service Road

3940 E Interstate 240 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73135, USA

The Dancenter by Lori Reviews

This is for any parent nervous about starting your child in dance. My names is Amy and my daughter, Savannah, danced at the Dance Center for 7 years, she’s 27 years old now, and still loves dance to this day. Savannah was 4 years old when she started. She was extremely shy and quiet, even at school, she wouldn’t speak up. I was also a bit nervous because she was my first. Savannah ended up loving it. She took regular classes, and was on the competitive team also. She attended Tap, Ballet, Jazz, lyrical. She started doing solos her second year. Don’t get me wrong, Savannah stayed a quiet kid, but she became a lot more confident. See I put her in dance classes, and she grew into a beautiful dancer and learned dance techniques, and how to move and preform, but that’s not even the most important thing she gained. She gained confidence, she learned how to be a good friend and team mate, she learned that separating from mom for 1 hour was not as scary as she once thought, she learned team work, she learned how to be a winner but also how to NOT win and how to grow, she learned the value of hard work, and most importantly she learned to follow directions, from the many great teachers she grew to love and admire and that’s priceless, for your child to have that type of support system from teachers who genuinely and authentically love and care about your child. They taught her to work hard, and always hold her head high, and to always make time for fun also. Lori was Savannahs solo teacher ( her only solo teacher , all 7 years) and I almost want to cry while telling you, that I will FOREVER love and respect Lori.. Lori is the best of the best, of course , as a teachers but as perfect as she is as a teacher, she’s 100 times better as a human being. There were many times that she would see me upset about something, and she’d remind me that she also was a mother first. She never forgets how all moms are just like her and want the very best for their child. She is not just a dance teacher in fact I’d say first and foremost, she’s an unbelievable human being. She ALWAYS, goes above and beyond for not just her students but also their families. Savannah adored her and they had an extremely close relationship and they still keep in touch today. To this day I feel blessed to have had lori in our lives. Miss Phyllis in the office , well she’s the head mama bear ( just joking) and she is constantly looking out for everyone. She consistently takes on way to much work and always leaves me wondering how she does it all. She loves each child as if each one was her very own grandchild, lol. She cares about every family that comes into the dance Center, and will bend over backwards to help you in any way she can. Savannah ended up being just as close to Phyllis as with Lori. She’s always willing to help and extra willing to laugh with you when stress gets you down. Also they make it a fun loving place for siblings when they come. They want all kids and families feel welcome and cared about. My son is 23 years old now, however to this day he has the best memories of growing up as a Dance Center little brother. I know it’s nerve wrecking when your child starts a new thing, and you don’t know which dance school to call, but trust me ( mom to mom) call the Dance Center and call them now, I’m serious, what your child gains by learning here goes way beyond dance and your child will never want for love and will have the best memories. I love these two women and the dance school the run, and will never ever be able to thank them for the impact on my daughter, my son and our whole family. I will never be able to repay them for the love and support they poured into my child, myself and my family. If your looking for a dance school , do NOT deprive yourself of this blessing and call them today. Phyllis has my number and please do NOT hesitate to ask her for my number, if you’d like to know more or have any questions or concerns as a mom.
Jul 22, 2024 · Amy Vazquez
I have only great words to say about the Dancenter. As a business, all of my responsibilities as a parent were clearly written and conveyed, every single time. As teachers of dance, you will not find a better place in all of Oklahoma, even if you tried. My daughter danced with them for ten years, and during that ten years I have not one complaint. Not one. They were always very professional. And you will not find a better teacher and choreographer than Lori Elder. She is hands down the best dance teacher in this region. I highly recommend them, whether your daughter is 2 or 18.
May 31, 2017 · Beverly Ferree
Largest In 5 State Region, Proper Technique is Taught, 6 Large Screen Monitors to watch your children in class, Cafe' for snacks, Serving Oklahoma Since 1979.
May 18, 2017 · Phyllis from The Dancenter
My favorite dance studio of all time! Miss Lori is awesome. She loves the babies and works hard with the older dancers. She keeps good help too. My three daughters learned to dance here, and my boys like it too, though tumbling was more their thing. Great place.
May 09, 2013 · Lonnie Schubert
When our dance area for my school foreclosed we had to find a new place quick. The Dance center ladies were very nice and let us stay there and dance our hearts out. It was always clean and we never had a problem.
Sep 28, 2021 · Ava Lumen